Ministers for the Department of Industry, Science and Resources
The Albanese Labor Government is standing up for Australian business by strengthening Australia’s trade remedies system so it is easier to access, more effective and fit for purpose in a changing and uncertain global environment.
The Government has passed legislation to establish a single, specialist trade remedies body. Responsibility for safeguard inquiries will transfer from the Productivity Commission to the Anti-Dumping Commission.
As Australia’s central authority for all trade remedy accountable investigations, the Anti-Dumping Commission will be renamed the Australian Trade Remedies Commission.
Bringing safeguard inquiries into a single specialist body is a practical regulatory improvement that will strengthen the system, making it more coherent, transparent and easier for Australian industry to navigate.
Australia is a trading nation, and these reforms reinforce our commitment to free and fair trade. When trade is not fair, we will act to support Australian workers, businesses and industries.
The Commission conducts rigorous investigations into claims that foreign goods are being imported into Australia at unfairly low prices (dumped) or benefit from foreign government subsidies.
Now, following a referral from the Government, the Australian Trade Remedies Commission will conduct safeguard inquiries and provide recommendations on whether safeguard measures should be imposed.
Safeguards are temporary measures used when an unforeseen increase in imports causes, or threatens to cause, serious injury to Australian industry.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Trade and Tourism, Don Farrell:
“Australia’s commitment to open and rules-based trade is unwavering. These changes ensure that our trade remedies system is fit for purpose at a time of increased international trade tensions.
“Labor will always stand up for Australian businesses, making them more competitive on the world stage, and ensuring a fair playing field here at home.
“The establishment of a streamlined Australian Trade Remedies Commission makes Australia stronger and gives our business a vital set of tools to use when international trade is not being conducted fairly.”
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science, Tim Ayres:
"The Albanese Labor Government believes in free and fair trade – when Australian industries are hit by unfairly dumped or subsidised imports, we need a system that's ready to back in local businesses, local jobs and the communities that depend on them.
"These reforms are about making sure Australian workers and manufacturers have a voice and a simpler path to getting action when they're doing it tough.
"Bringing all of Australia's trade remedies functions together under one expert body means we'll be better equipped to respond to unfair trade practices in a much tougher global environment.
"Australian workers are among the best in the world. This Government stands up for workers, fights for a level playing field, and is making sure local industries get a fair go."